"A magical place in Oaxaca, where you will be face to face with the clouds, magic and nature".
San José del Pacifico: Is a small, unassuming town high in the Oaxacan mountains. An unlikely candidate, but nevertheless the town is the magic mushroom capital of Mexico. The tourism that psychedelic mushrooms bring is a lifeline to the town, which otherwise would see hardly anyone visit.
However, taking magic mushrooms isn’t the only thing to do in this unique town and nature lovers will also enjoy the stunning scenery.
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Ok, I’m putting this first because let’s be honest, most people come to San José just to take magic mushrooms.
In Mexico, the use of magic mushrooms by indigenous users is decriminalised (though not officially) in native culture. Additionally, it is legal to pick wild psychedelic mushrooms. While technically the use of magic mushrooms by tourists in San José is illegal, the town is an independent area where locals make their own rules. Which, unsurprisingly includes allowing the selling and consumption of magic mushrooms.
RELAX AND WATCH THE CLOUDS
This is definitely a rainy season activity, but San José is known for being a town above the clouds. Although, that is more often a town inside the clouds. Grab a beer, a book, headphones or the like and just sit and watch the world go by.
As someone who gets bored very easily, this is not an activity I could participate in for more than 5 normally. But, the landscape changes so quickly here. Clouds roll in from higher land, filling the valleys before dissipating just a few minutes later. Plus, at times you can actually see the clouds forming from the vast surrounding forest. And, once there’s a break in the clouds, you can see for miles and miles! A truly unique place.
TEMAZCAL
Temazcal ceremonies aren’t exclusive to San José, you can find them across the southern states of Mexico. Temazcal – a low-heat sweat lodge, like a sauna – is an indigenous ceremony meant to purify the body, heal the spirit and enrich your health.
Temazcal Los 4 Elementos (with Shaman Navarro) is located along the main road in San José. It’s a short walk from the town or you can take a tuk-tuk for just a few pesos.
HIKING
With miles and miles of mountains and forests, San José is a hiker’s dream. Popular hiking routes include continuing uphill behind La Cumbre hostel or to one of the even smaller towns around. Another option is to just walk through the magnificent and never-ending forest – like this 3.5-mile route.
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